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Albert Lea graduates, families and community are invited to participate in the 2020 A.L. Grad Banner Project! This is an inclusive community grassroots project intended to honor and support high school graduates while giving inspiration to the community as a whole. Pictorial banners will be placed on Broadway Avenue for 2020 Albert Lea high school graduates, including Albert Lea High School, Area Learning Center and Albert Lea homeschooled. The banners will be displayed from about May 24 through Labor Day. Then, the grad may pick up their side of the banner for a keepsake. If you like, you can take a drive or walk downtown to see the prototype banner located at the corner of Broadway and Main Street. If you would like to be a part of this exciting project, please take the following steps.

Grads and families: We celebrate you! Submit your photo by Friday. Grads are requested to submit a nonprofessional, fun, casual selfie-style (or head/shoulders) photo in portrait format rather than landscape (no professional photos, please). One submission per graduate. Selfie-style nonprofessional photos are requested in order to avoid any copyright issues and to keep things equal and fun for all. If a grad family is not able to pay, please submit a photo anyway! A sponsor will be found for you, and your name will not be shared.

Send one photo via email along with:

• Grad’s full name

• Preferred first name and last initial (banner name) (no nicknames)

• Statement “I own the rights to this image and give permission for its use in the 2020 AL Grad Banner Project.”

• If desired, add the statement “I request sponsorship.”

Send email to al2020gradbanners@gmail.com.

Payments are due Friday. We are happy to make arrangements or find sponsors as needed. Cost per graduate is $32.50 including tax. Please submit your payment at the drive-thru at Security Bank Minnesota, 437 Bridge Ave,, Albert Lea. Security has the form you will need. Payments and donations may be made in the form of cash or check. Please make checks in the name of “Sonjia Hill,” with a memo of “Banner.”

Community members: If you would like to sponsor a graduate, please make your donation through Security Bank. You may name a graduate or give a general sponsorship. Donors will be acknowledged through the Tribune and social media. Please share this opportunity with all graduates you know. We appreciate your support of our graduates.

For the out-of-town payment address or for more information, please call 507-473-0376. More information is also available on the “George Marin for Albert Lea” Facebook page. Thank you so much for all of your interest and support for this special project!

Jill Marin

Albert Lea